GM Goodwrench?

For the GM (Chevrolet) Experts Out There: I'm struggling to find a mechanic in the Los Angeles area I am really happy with to take care of my basic service needs for my '75 Caprice Estate Wagon. I have tried two independent outfits and have been marginally impressed. I thought I found "the" mechanic, until I had them diagnose what was a severe oil leak; they told me I was looking at having to rebuild my entire engine. I then took it in (somewhere closer to work) for a routine oil change and the severe leak immediately became a slight dribble, naturally leaving me to question the rebuild diagnosis.
So....I'm now entertaining the idea of relying on a Chevy dealership or BF Goodwrench service dealer. Sure, I figure I'm going to pay more, but at this point I'm looking for trustworthiness and quality of parts. There's still truth in "you get what you pay for"...right? Any thoughts would be welcomed. Thanks so much.

 

Not necessarily. I think you might have to search for a garage that has an older tech. Some of the young whippersnappers might not know what to do with your non computer controlled vehicle. It's hard nowadays to find a shop that is filled with troubleshooters instead of parts changers.

 

Eagle's right, get somebody with a few grey hairs on the 'roof'.

There must be some info on common oil leaks for your engine. My 302 leaked at the intake manifold like a sieve, until I changed the rear gasket, and used new Cork gaskets with Permatex orange sealer. Then it was dry as a bone.

How's the mileage? No lifter noise? Oil filter is tight? How many miles before the OIL/710 light comes on? Does it leave a puddle or does it leak while you drive?

 

The guys are rite, old car,old motor, you need "an old guy'' to work on a older stock motor, or the same motor built up with old school stuff.New car with all the new junk under the hood you get a young guy.

You say after a simple oil change from another shop your magor leak was a dribble? I'd be suspection the oil pan drain bolt.

IMO ANY shop mechanic that says you need an engine rebuild just because of an oil leak is a thief and better yet Land Fill!

 

Likely, it just needs valve cover, and oil pan gaskets. A rear main at the worst. Just make sure they didn't put 20w50 in the thing just to make it stop leaking. If you would like, I can take a look at it. And, no I don't want any money, just want to help.

 

Right on! A Georgian on First base! Great!

 

Ooops. I thought it was for $arge's roadside help call. CA is not GA. Read Normie, slower buddy.

 

I may have get so gas money for that road call.

 

It's a bit of a drive alright. but here he is:

http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4805

 

Yup...find an older guy (like me) that has a good reputation for honesty. Ask around. And...an oil drip doesn't signify an engine rebuild. Don't worry about it now...ask around and talk to people and to mechanics that are recommended. Have them do a few things for you until you feel right. And do NOT go to a dealer for service of ANY kind. Ever.

 

Hope you don't mind me thowing my in with this Fox.......

And do not go to a dealer for service ESPECIALY for an Old Car

 

Don't mind at all, Fat. Good point. Although...I also recommend not going to a dealer with a new car either. My dad, when he ran his garage told people when they bought a new car..."I don't care if you come here or go anywhere else...just don't go to the dealer for service or repairs."

 

Yeah, it's almost like date rape...you know where you are going and who your going with (or so you think), then the next thing you know....

 

Absolutely right, SF. I brought mine in to get them to do a dye-test to find the leak. $75 CDN$ at a big Ford Dealership. Once they do it, they print out a list of potential remedies. Its gotta be cheaper in the US.

 

An oil leak after an oil change might mean they cross-threaded the drain plug, or poured the oil in too fast, and the valve cover got filled up and started to leak. Wash the engine off and determine exactly where it's coming from.
Heck maybe they just put too much in, or didn't drain it enough.
I don't trust anyone with my oil changes.